Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents,

This newsletter article is one that I was never looking forward to as it will be my final newsletter, not only as the Head of Primary here at Marist College Ashgrove but, as a staff member of this great school as well. To think that the week ahead is the last week that I will spend with students is a sobering thought. As I have explained in the communication I emailed out earlier today, I have loved my time at the college, and I will treasure the memories from the last twenty-two years. Marist College Ashgrove Primary School has the most amazing boys, it has an incredibly supportive group of parents and a wonderful, dedicated and hard-working Primary staff that leaves no stone unturned to help and guide the boys in their care. 

On Friday last week, I was given the honour of addressing the Year 12 Graduates at their farewell ceremony on McMahon Oval. Many of these boys arrived in our Primary School in 20I8 and speaking with them and their parents on the day brought home once again, just how quickly times flies by. Much had changed, but in many ways, much was still the same which was both reassuring and heartwarming. I would like to conclude my final newsletter by sharing some of my address to the graduating class of 2025. I believe the message I shared with them is equally pertinent to our Primary boys as they prepare to finish their year here in the Primary School.

To our Graduates, as you step into the next stage of life, I want to leave you with one simple but powerful message: Be Kind. Simple words but, in a world where your devices and social media often try to tell you who you should be, or what you need to be, remember that to get to wherever you wish to go in life, all you need to be is kind. Remember men that your worth is not measured by the number of likes or followers. It is measured by how you treat others. Kindness costs nothing, but it changes everything.

Author Henry James once said: “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” Gentlemen, I ask that you carry those words with you and let your faith and kindness be your compass on your pilgrimage.

Finally, thank you for allowing me to be part of your story. Watching a young person grow is one of life’s great gifts. It is something I have been gifted many times over during my time here at the college, and it is something I will always treasure.

Congratulations gentlemen, remember to look after each other and may God bless you always.

My sincere thanks to the boys, parents and staff of Marist College Ashgrove Primary School.

Date Claimers

Please see date claimers below for the last week of Term 4: 

• Year 6 Graduation Mass – Wednesday, 26 November 
• Year 5 and 6 Fun Day – Thursday, 27 November 
• Final Day for Students – Friday, 28 November

Primary Pastoral Leader – Anthony Graham 

Mt St Michael’s Dance Collaboration – A Wonderful Community Moment

Last Friday, while we celebrated the graduation of our Year 12 students, our Year 5 boys also enjoyed a fantastic community event with the Year 8 Dance students from Mt St Michael’s College. The MSM girls prepared and taught a range of dances to small groups of our boys, creating a fun-filled and energetic morning.

It was wonderful to see our students step out of their comfort zones, give everything a go, and enjoy a truly uplifting experience. Opportunities like this continue to strengthen our connections with neighbouring schools and highlight the value of shared learning and community partnership.

Marcellin Stage – Our Final Marcellin Cup Event

On Monday, we celebrated the final event in this year’s Marcellin Cup series — Marcellin Stage, our very own “Marist’s Got Talent.” The morning was full of creativity and courage, with students performing raps, poems, dances, songs, and everything in between.

A huge thank you to our guest judges — Mrs Harmston, Mrs Wasserman, Mrs Carson, and Mr Connolly — for bringing enthusiasm and spirit to the event. Congratulations to White House, who took out the top spot with an impressive rap all about Marist College Ashgrove. Mr Wilson’s dance moves were also a standout!

Year 5 & 6 Fun Day – This Thursday

We are looking forward to rounding out the year with our annual Fun Day celebrations.

Year 5 – On Campus Fun Day

Uniform: Sports uniform

Swimming: Optional — boys may bring swimmers if they wish to swim. 

Alternative Activities: Board games, cards and supervised activities will be available for boys choosing not to swim.

Food: Tuckshop will not be available. A sausage sizzle and drink will be provided for lunch.

We have a full, exciting day planned and can’t wait to celebrate a great year together.

Year 6 – Wet’n’Wild

Arrival: Please arrive by 7:45am to allow for an 8:30am departure. 

Food:

• Lunch (sausage sizzle + drink) provided
• Boys must bring their own morning tea

• Optional purchases available from the Wet’n’Wild canteen (cash only — please no cash sent to school)

   

Return Time: Approximately 4:00pm. Any major delays will be communicated via the app.

As we approach the end of the school year, these celebrations are a wonderful way to finish what has been a busy and rewarding year of learning, growth, and connection.